The teacher of the second grade class was talking to the children about going on a field trip this fall.

The teacher said, “Class, I would like to let you know that we will be going on a field trip soon.”

Larry said, “I think we should go to a donut shop. You know, the one where they make the donuts while you stand and watch. And then you get a free one.”

Sally said, “I would really like to go to the candy store where Grandpa got his candy. Remember? When he was telling us a story about his son.”

The teacher said, “Those are all really nice suggestions, however, the decision has already been made where we’re going to go on our field trip. We’re going to a farm. What do you think about that?”

Frieda said, “I have never been to a farm before. Do they have sheep and horses and cows? I think it will be a lot of fun?”

Frank said, “I don’t know about that. Usually farms have a lot of messy stuff. You know, the animals are not real careful about where they do their you-know-whats.”

Lisa said, “I guess we’ll just have to be careful where we walk, huh?”

Charlie said, “I’m gonna wear my work boots. So, I really don’t care where I walk.”

Mary said, “Well, everyone doesn’t have work boots.“

The teacher said, “It will be just fine. I am sure they have paths that we can walk on where our shoes won’t get too dirty.”

Alice said, “That is, if it isn’t raining. Oh, I guess we won’t go if it’s raining. Will we have to go on another day?”

Larry said, “So, when are we going on this field trip?”

The teacher said, “It is scheduled for the end of next week. I will be giving you all a piece of paper to take home to your parents that tells them about the field trip. Your parents need to sign the paper saying it’s OK for you to go.”

Janet said, “What if our parents don’t want us to go on the field trip? Do we get to stay home that day?”

Frieda said, “I don’t want to stay home! I want to go on the field trip.”

The teacher said, “Don’t worry about that. Just bring the paper home and let your parents read it.”

Lisa said, “I think it’s going to be really fun. Can I bring something to draw on while I’m there?”

Frank said, “Why do you even have to ask that? You carry your drawing stuff with you everywhere you go. I think you even take them when you go to the little girls’ room!”

The teacher said, “We will talk about that later. For now, we have some other things we need to do - like math and history.”

Mary said, “Why can’t we just talk about this field trip all day long? That sounds like a lot more fun.”

Larry said, “I still think we should stop and get donuts on the way. Being on this field trip is going to make me really hungry.”

The teacher said, “OK. That’s enough. It’s time to start our math lesson.”